Is milk thistle safe for babies?

Understanding Milk Thistle and Its Safety for Babies
Milk thistle, a herbal supplement derived from the seeds of the Silybum marianum plant, has gained popularity for its purported health benefits, particularly in supporting liver function. However, when it comes to its safety for infants, the conversation becomes more nuanced.
General Safety Profile
For most adults, milk thistle is considered likely safe when taken orally, with some individuals experiencing mild side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and gas. However, the safety profile changes significantly when it comes to babies and young children. Experts generally advise caution. The consensus among health professionals is that herbal supplements, including milk thistle, should not be given to children without medical advice.
Concerns for Infants
The primary concern regarding the use of milk thistle in infants stems from the lack of comprehensive studies on its effects in this age group. While some adults and even pregnant or breastfeeding women may use milk thistle with relative safety, the effects on infants remain largely unknown. This uncertainty is compounded by the fact that babies have different metabolic rates and sensitivities compared to adults, making them potentially more vulnerable to adverse effects.
Recommendations from Experts
Health professionals, including those specializing in integrative medicine, emphasize the importance of consulting a healthcare provider before administering any herbal supplements to children. This is particularly crucial for infants, as their developing bodies may react unpredictably to substances that are generally considered safe for adults.
Moreover, while some mothers have reported using milk thistle to enhance lactation during breastfeeding, it is still recommended that nursing mothers consult their doctors before using such supplements, especially if they are considering the potential effects on their babies.
Conclusion
In summary, while milk thistle is generally regarded as safe for adults, its use in babies is not well-studied and is accompanied by significant caution. Parents should refrain from giving milk thistle or any herbal supplements to infants without first seeking professional medical advice. The health and safety of the child should always be the top priority, and consulting with a healthcare provider can help ensure that any decisions made are in the best interest of the child’s health.

How does milk thistle help lactation?

It’s thought to work by making more of the milk-producing hormone prolactin. The data is very limited, but one older randomized controlled study found that mothers taking 420 mg of silymarin for 63 days produced 64% more milk than those taking a placebo.

Who should avoid milk thistle?

Milk thistle should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. People with a history of hormone-related cancers, including breast, uterine, and prostate cancer, should not take milk thistle. DO NOT take milk thistle if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, chamomile, yarrow, or daisies.

What supplements should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Dietary Supplements and Herbs to Avoid When Breastfeeding

• Answer: Certain herbals, high dose vitamins, and other dietary supplements can be dangerous to breastfed babies through breast milk.
• Aloe latex.
• Ashwagandha.
• Berberine/goldenseal.
• Bilberry.
• Black cohosh.
• Butterbur.
• Dong quai.

Can babies have milk thistle?

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if milk thistle is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Children: Milk thistle is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth, appropriately, for up to 9 months in children 1 year of age and older.

How can I breastfeed my boyfriend but not pregnant?

Inducing lactation in people who aren’t pregnant requires medication that mimics hormones your body makes during pregnancy. Suckling from the nipple can initiate lactation, either with a breast pump or by a baby.

Is it safe to take milk thistle while pregnant?

Milk thistle may lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes should use caution. Little is known about whether it’s safe to use milk thistle during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Does milk thistle mess with hormones?

There is also concern that milk thistle might affect estrogen levels. If you have breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis or uterine fibroids, consider avoiding milk thistle.

How much milk thistle to induce lactation?

Some of the herbs that may induce lactation include Blessed Thistle herb (recommended 390 mg per capsule) and Fenugreek seed (recommended 610 mg per capsule). The dose used is 3 capsules of each, 3 times a day with meals.

What happens if you have too much milk thistle?

Milk thistle can cause: Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting and abdominal bloating. Itchiness. Headache.

Does milk thistle really cleanse the liver?

There is extensive evidence to show that milk thistle improves liver function and may even increase survival in some patients. The herbs anti-fibrotic properties help to prevent scarring in the liver tissues and reverse the harmful effects of alcohol consumption.